Toro Co., of Bloomington, Minn., is recalling approximately 78,000 Lawn-Boy power mowers. Interference with the mower's mulching fan can cause the mower blade to crack and break off. Broken pieces of the blade can be propelled from underneath the mower, possibly injuring the operator or a bystander.

The recalled Lawn-Boy Silver Series, Four Cycle, walk-behind, 21-inch power mowers have the following model and serial numbers, which are printed on a decal on the right rear of the mower:

Model Number                Serial Number Range
10200                                     7900001-7999999
10202                                     7900001-7999999
10212                                     7900001-7999999
10236                                     7900001-7999999
10249                                     8900001-8999999
10302                                     7900001-7999999
10307                                     7900001-7999999
10313                                     7900001-8999999
10321                                     7900001-8999999

Lawn-Boy Dealers and mass merchant retail outlets, including Sears, Lowe's and the Home Depot, sold these mowers from January 1997 through November 1998 for between $280 and $400.

Consumers should stop using these recalled mowers immediately. The company is mailing consumers free repair kits, which include a new mower blade and modified mulching fan. Consumers can have the repair performed for free at a local Lawn-Boy service dealer after receiving the repair kit. Consumers who sent in their mower's registration card will automatically be mailed a repair kit. Consumers who have not been notified should contact their local Lawn-Boy service dealer for assistance. To locate the nearest Lawn-Boy service dealer or for more information, consumers should call Lawn-Boy at (800) 444-8676 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.